On May 24, 2025, Dalian Maple Leaf College of Technology celebrated the successful conclusion of the "First Maple Leaf International Student Joy Marathon." This exciting faculty-student race not only built a competitive stage for participants to surpass themselves but also explored new pathways for the deep integration of sports, culture, and technology with innovative approaches.

At 8:00 a.m., the opening ceremony kicked off with inspiring music. The ceremony began with the national flag raising. As the solemn national anthem played, the five-star red flag rose slowly, creating a dignified and solemn atmosphere. Subsequently, students from Dalian Xingang Customs Clearance Technical School presented a cheerleading performance titled "Youth Unlimited," instantly igniting the enthusiasm of the entire audience with their graceful dance movements and dynamic rhythms. A guitar performance by international friends drew thunderous applause from the crowd.

During the speech session, Yang Jie, Secretary of the College Party Committee and President, stated: "The marathon is not only a dual test of physical strength and endurance but also a spiritual baptism of surpassing oneself and challenging limits." He expected all participants to practice the sports spirit of "Faster, Higher, Stronger — Together," striving for excellence while paying attention to safety and encouraging each other.

Chief Referee Wang Bo, Director of the Student Affairs Office, and athlete representative Dai Yining delivered speeches respectively. Director Wang Bo emphasized: "All referees will strictly abide by competition rules, uphold professional ethics, and devote themselves to their work with professional attitudes, rigorous standards, and full enthusiasm." Student Dai Yining expressed: "I will meet the challenges of physical strength and will with full enthusiasm, interpreting the power of youth through perseverance."

When the guests took the stage one by one, the countdown device on the large screen began to flash, and faculty and students spontaneously counted down together: "Five, four, three..." After the countdown ended, colored smoke rose into the air, intertwining with waves of cheers above the sports field, pushing the opening ceremony atmosphere to its climax.

As the starting gun fired, robots and robotic dogs took the lead, followed by Yang Ping, Chairperson of the College Board, and Yang Jie, Secretary of the College Party Committee and President, who led the participating faculty and students onto the track.

The combination of robots, robotic dogs, and drones, as one of the innovative highlights of this event, not only added a sense of technology but also provided unique companionship and motivation for the runners, reflecting the college's active exploration of the integration of technology and sports.

On the track, contestants of different skin colors ran side by side, encouraging and supporting each other, measuring the passion of youth with their footsteps and interpreting their love for the marathon with their sweat, allowing diversity and vitality to bloom fully at this moment.

To ensure the smooth running of this event, our college made extensive and meticulous preparations in terms of event organization. From track planning, safety guarantees to medical rescue and volunteer services, we provided multi-faceted support and protection for the contestants, ensuring they could enjoy the competition in a safe and comfortable environment.

After a morning of fierce competition, the closing ceremony began promptly at 11:00 a.m. The award ceremony commenced first, with the top three finishers in the student men's and women's groups and the top five finishers in the faculty men's and women's groups taking the stage successively. Zhang Dongdong, Vice President of the College, Gao Chenglin, Vice President of the College, and Yang Ping, Chairperson of the College Board, presented medals and prizes to the winners respectively.

Yang Jie, Secretary of the College Party Committee and President, presented a trophy to the exclusive sponsor of the event, expressing gratitude to Mr. Zhou Shuncheng, founder of Chaofan Education and President of Dalian Chaofan Training School, for his strong support of this activity. In his speech, Principal Zhou delivered a heartfelt message in both Chinese and English: "May you all always run joyfully on the journey of life until your dreams are reached."

In the highly anticipated lucky draw session, Duan Zhengnan, Director of the Student Affairs Office of Qidingshan Campus, and Wang Bo, Director of the Student Affairs Office of Daheishi Campus, drew four lucky winners who received Dalian Yingbo Football Club player-signed footballs, drawing bursts of cheers from the audience.

Finally, Gao Chenglin, Vice President of the College, announced the successful conclusion of the First Maple Leaf International Student Joy Marathon, and the entire venue erupted in prolonged and enthusiastic applause.

The successful hosting of the First Maple Leaf International Student Joy Marathon demonstrated the college's outstanding capabilities in promoting sports, facilitating cultural exchanges, and exploring technological applications. In the future, our college will continue to enrich faculty and student campus life through diverse cultural activities, contributing to the cultivation of versatile talents with international vision, innovative thinking, and practical abilities.